Heading into the NFL Scouting Combine this week, it feels like the Raiders will use the No. 22 pick on one of three positions; wide receiver, offensive tackle, defensive tackle. While you can make strong cases for any of those three positions, finding an outside receiver might be the most pressing issue for the team.
So what receiver would make a lot of sense for the Raiders in the first round? Which one can win on the outside and help take attention away from Darren Waller and Hunter Renfrow?
In a recent mock draft by Doug Farrar of the Touchdown Wire, he recently mocked Ohio State wide receiver Garrett Wilson to the Raiders at pick No. 22. Here is what he had to say about the potential fit in Las Vegas:
“What the Raiders do not have at this point is a receiver who can win one-on-one matchups and beat people deep. There’s tight end Darren Waller (who can do both) and possession receiver Hunter Renfrow (who will become McDaniels’ next Julian Walker), but the addition of Wilson would put this offense over the top.
Wilson needs some work with his route specificity, but he’s a first-day weapon both with the deep ball and after the catch. He would do a lot to perfect a passing game that’s almost there.”
There is a good chance Wilson won’t be available by the time the Raiders pick as he might just be the top receiver in the class. During the 2021 season, he totaled 1,134 yards and scored 13 touchdowns in just 11 games. He is one of the most dynamic receivers after the catch and his athleticism is off the charts.
However, with this being one of the wilder classes in recent history, it wouldn’t be a total shock if he fell to pick No. 22. And if that’s the case, the Raiders would be wise to snatch him up. He would make a lot of sense with Carr and would make the entire offense that much more explosive.
